The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel not to wait for order to shoot armed bandits and terrorists on sight, declaring that any operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them.
Penpushing reports that Musa gave the charge on Wednesday while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit’, Musa emphasised
Penpushing further reports that he tasked the soldiers not to hesitate in confronting armed bandits and terrorists, describing the intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership and praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.
“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Musa, who described himself as a proud son of Sokoto, said the state had remained one of the most peaceful in the country due to collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.
The Minister pointed out that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Penpushing reports that he, however, cautioned security personnel against neglecting the newly acquired assets, pointing out that the equipment costs billions of naira, and not being handed over to them to be mishandled
“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that the Minister of Defence while urging officers to remain professional, reminded them to protect innocent citizens while taking decisive action against criminals.
“You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.
Penpushing also reports that Governor Ahmed Aliyu earlier in his speech said the latest intervention formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in security since assuming office.
The governor stated that the state government procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.
“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government ₦27.127 billion’, Aliyu said.
Penpushing reports that he disclosed that the state had previously spent over ₦36 billion on security interventions, including operational vehicles, motorcycles, military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
The governor, however, disclosed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits, assuring that once it is passed, he will sign it without any further delay.
Penpushing further reports that Aliyu added that the government had approved the establishment of a Command-and-Control Centre to enhance surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
The Governor equally appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that defeating banditry requires a collective effort.
“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay. Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state’, he said.
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